Competition-Style Chicken Thigh Bites
Illustration generated by AI. The recipe is hand-curated and checked by MealPrep's allergen, diet and nutrition rules.
Bbq · 150 min · Chicken · gluten-free, low-carb, high-protein
430 cal
38g protein
20g carbs
22g fat
per serving · estimated
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3/4 tbsp barbecue rub
- 3/4 tbsp dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup apple juice
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tbsp flat-leaf parsley
Method (tap to check — screen stays awake)
- Trim each thigh into a neat rectangle and scrape the underside clean of fat and loose sinew, so every bite is meat rather than gristle.
- Season both sides with the rub, the salt and 1 tbsp of the brown sugar, and rest 30 minutes.
- Lay the thighs in a foil pan on a bed of butter pats with the apple juice poured around, and smoke uncovered at 275°F over cherry for 60 minutes.
- Cover with foil and cook 30 minutes more to 175°F — thighs want to run past 165°F for the connective tissue to give.
- Drain the pan liquid off, then brush the thighs with the barbecue sauce thinned with the warmed honey and remaining brown sugar.
- Return uncovered at 300°F for 15 minutes until the glaze is tacky and does not run when you tilt a piece.
- Rest 5 minutes, cut into two-bite pieces and scatter the chopped parsley over.
Nutrition figures are estimates. Verify allergens on every ingredient label before cooking.
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